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Many travelers head to Bali for the opportunity to surf its world-renowned surf breaks, like Uluwatu, Nusa Dua and Padang. Although many surfboard rental shops are available throughout Bali, many dedicated surfers willingly pay the hefty fee to travel with their own boards. Unfortunately, damages to boards are all too common on flights, but there are measures you can take to decrease the risk of dings and broken fins.

Items you will need

Surfboard bag

Fin key

Wax comb or credit card

Foam pipe insulation

Utility knife

Duct tape

Bubble wrap

Soft bag

Towel or clothing

Marker

Step 1

Purchase an appropriate surfboard bag. Bags should be at least 6 inches longer than the board to provide extra space for cushioning the ends of the board. There are many options, including bags that allow for multiple boards and bags with wheels for convenience.

Step 2

Remove the surf fins. Fins can easily be broken and it is best to remove them to prevent damage. Wrap the fins in small hand towels and pack them with the board. Standard fins that are not removable can be protected by placing fin boxes around them.

Step 3

Remove the wax from the board. Scraping the wax off the board prevents the wax from melting once it reaches the tropical weather of Bali. Put the board under direct sunlight until the wax softens, then carefully scrape the wax off with a wax comb or old credit card.

Step 4

Measure and cut foam pipe insulation to protect the sides of the board. Cut open one side of the pipe insulation and use clear duct tape to secure it tightly along all sides of the surfboard, including the nose and tip. Pipe insulation can also be taped vertically along the center of the board for extra protection.

Step 5

Add protection to the nose and tip of the board. The noses and tips of surfboards are prone to dings. Protect them by duct-taping towels or clothes around them or by using bubble wraps with large bubbles.

Step 6

Wrap the entire board with bubble wrap or a soft bag.

Step 7

Place the board into the board bag and insert extra padding. An easy way to consolidate luggage is to use clothing you're taking for vacation as the padding material.

Step 8

Write “Fragile” on the surf bag with a marker. Surfers who do not want to mark up their surf bags can purchase a long, thin cardboard box, place the surfboard in it and write "Fragile" on the box.

Tips

Tennis balls are an excellent alternative to fin boxes for non-removable fins. Cut 2-inch slits by using a sharp utility knife and secure the balls tightly on each fin.

Pack the fin key with the board inside the surf bag.

Warning

Add contact information on the surfboard bag.

References

"Essential Surfing"; George Orbelian; June 1987

"Surfing Indonesia"; Leonard and Lorca Lueras; April 2002

Resources

About the Author

LH Lee spent two years backpacking from 2007 to 2009. Since her return in 2009, she has contributed various travel articles to Off Track Planet and Matador. Lee holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in screenwriting from the School of Visual Arts and is a recipient of The Media Workshop from UCLA.

Leaf Group is a USA TODAY content partner providing general travel information. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.